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Mark has spent the last three decades troubleshooting everything from complex data structures to electrical parts, with a focus on helping small businesses keep their network operations and computer systems operating securely and at peak efficiency.

RANSOMWARE – BEWARE

You only hover over an email link and within seconds, you’re infected with a new type of Ransomware…

So, what the heck is Ransomware and what does it do?

There are many different types of Ransomware. However, they all “hold you ransom,” preventing your PC from functioning normally and demanding that you pay them, usually in Bitcoin (a form of virtual currency), to gain access to your PC and files again. In addition, they may force you to complete a survey.

Here’s an example of a screen that may pop up once Ransomware has infected your PC:

Ransomware targets all PCs, including home computers, endpoints in Enterprise networks, and government agency and healthcare provider servers.

Ransomware can:

Prevent access to Windows

Encrypt files and block you from using them

Prevent certain apps such as your web browser from functioning

To make matters worse, giving in to the Ransomware demands and paying the fine does not guarantee access to your PC will be restored!

If you don’t recognize who an Email is from, don’t open it – delete it immediately! If it’s from a legitimate sender, they’ll resend it.

The best defense against Ransomware is educating yourself. Take this test to determine how savvy you are at identifying “phishing” Emails: Phishing IQ Test

Here’s an example of an actual Email containing Ransomware. Can you spot the clues that it’s not legitimate?

If you have an external hard drive attached to your PC, it will also become infected and encrypted. In order to properly safeguard your files, your backup must be off-site and/or disconnected from your computer. PC Therapist recommends Carbonite for home users, providing unlimited backups of your personal data at a low cost of $60/year. Businesses, due to their unique needs, require a higher level of care. Contact us for business backup and continuity recommendations. At PC Therapist, we keep a backup of all of our clients’ files offsite and can restore them without giving in to Ransomware’s demands.